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Axial crankshaft forces + Propeller help

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RenaatXS

Active Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2011
Messages
32
Location
Belgium (West-EU)
(LOOK AT POST #15, I HAVE UPLOADED A HD MOVIE WITH THE ENGINE ALL TUNED SO IT FINALLY REACHES 3000 RPM WITH A 48x17 PROPELLER)

Hello,

I know my engine isn't a half VW, but it is very similar to it.
It's a French made Citroën 2CV (subtype M28/AM2) engine.

optulz.jpg


-4-stroke opposed twin
-602cc
-9.1:1 compression ratio
-stock 32hp at 5500 rpm.
-Manufactured from 1968 to 1983

I bought two very ugly engines for €50/60$ at a local Citroën garage. I took them apart and combined the best of both to one engine. Also, I've installed electronic ignition and Mikuni 34mm carbs. Because I took off the flywheel, forced air cooling, etc., it weighs 37kgs/80 lbs now.

j79ic5.jpg

2ag0sir.jpg

2skdk.jpg


I bolted my engine onto the back of my homemade kart, so I can try props "dynamically".
53747c.jpg



33bgy9j.jpg

oj43zq.jpg

2exsvnt.jpg

2qcjnyq.jpg

This is my worn out crankshaft, the good one is in the engine. As you can see, the right bearing can pick up some axial forces. The left bearing is stronger for radial forces, so that's where the prop should come.
But now my question is: Is the right bearing good enough to support 50kgs/100 lbs of axial thrust? Or should I add an external bearing? This seems very dificult to me, because I think the slide bearings should not be forced to run onto one side because the external bearing is not perfectly aligned...


Yesterday I've made the propeller hub out of aluminum.

aa7xns.jpg

2ebd2eq.jpg

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The cap can be removed when access is needed to the 5 crankshaft bolts. After thightening those bolts, just put the cap back on with the 1" centering tap on it.

Any propositions on what type of direct drive pusher propeller I should use? The engine is running counterclockwise.
 
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